Eco-Friendly Construction

When it comes to technology and innovation, baby steps are perhaps the most important thing. By utilizing, and learning about, new technologies in reasonable stages, we can set the stage for greater understanding and use in the future. Nowhere is this truer than with solar powered lighting,

When it comes to solar power it seems there are to reactions. One reaction is to go for it all out and whole hog. The person who reacts this way tends to invest a large amount of time and money in being ?green? and an equal amount of time and energy being critical of those who don?t share his or her fervent beliefs. The other reaction is to shrug shoulders and think that all this ?green? stuff is way to complicated and expensive to bother with. Both of these approaches are wrong.

It is extremely easy and inexpensive to utilize solar powered lighting around your home. For example, solar powered lighting?? is a natural for garden sheds, gazebos, decks, porches and garages. All it takes is the installation of a single solar panel positioned so that it receives the most possible sun during the day. The panel stores up solar energy during the day when you don?t need an interior light and provides enough energy to illuminate the area at night. In addition, there are a number of solar powered lighting applications that do not require the installation of a solar panel. These include garden lights, pond lights, security flood lights, and walkway lights. These types of lights have a small solar panel built into the light itself. This panel operates in the same way a larger solar panel does and provides adequate power to allow the light to operate all night.

Solar powered lighting is a no-brainer. You can take that first baby step in using and understanding solar power and save a few bucks to boot. What could be easier?

Having an energy efficient home is what we all strive for because it’s a great way to reduce our energy bill saving hundreds or thousands over of the lifetime of the home. But it also benefits the environment, slowing the effects of global warming.? When we properly seal our homes we reduce the amount of oil that is needed to produce the electricity used to heat our homes, thus reducing our carbon footprint.

Outside Air Barrier

Polyurethane spray foam insulation has come to the forefront as a leading solution for sealing homes and buildings. Spray foam insulation expands, much like shaving cream from the can, which when applied to walls and ceilings it penetrates the smallest cracks and crevices, sealing off the outside air. The high R-value of spray foam insulation is nearly double that of fiberglass batt insulation.

Moisture control

Because foam insulation does a great job of sealing the smallest cracks and crevices it also seals out moisture which has proven to be both harmful to occupants and the home. When moisture is allowed to penetrate the inside of the home, in the right environment this can lead to mold and wood rot. Mold spores in the air can lead to respiratory problems and can be dangerous for occupants who already have asthma or some type of respiratory illness.

Spray foam insulation can be installed in the walls, ceiling and crawlspace of a home. With a high R-value and moisture control properties this is an ideal solution for homeowners looking to improve the comfort of their home and protect it from the outside elements for many years to come.